New Queen Crowned at Arden Old Timers Rodeo

The Arden Old Timers Rodeo has been active for 52 years, but this year marks only the fourth year that the rodeo queen has been incorporated into its events. The recently-crowned rodeo queen of 2027 is 16-year-old Haidyn Sackman. “The competition this year was very close… practically even,” said Sackman. “I didn’t even think I’d won. I think that the one thing that helped me win was the grand entry around the arena. This was the part where I run around the arena on my horse and wave at the judges.”

The competition for the Arden Rodeo Queen consists of four parts: grand entry, pattern, speech, and application. The panel consists of three judges. “The reining pattern requires a lot of practice with my horse,” explained Sackman. “It includes a three-quarter loop around the arena, then a lope on the left lead, then stop, turn, and face the judges. Then I do a small slow circle and a large fast circle. Then there is a two-haunch turn to the right, then the left, and then I have my horse sit on his back feet while circling with the front. It is difficult to train the horse to do.” Sackman said she has only been working with her 8-year-old horse, Pistol, for five months.

She added that she had her mom help her along with multiple coaches. She shared that she was first inspired to try out after watching her friend participate two years ago. “After that, I got my first horse Belle, but she got sick, and we had to put her down,” Sackman said. “I was going to try out with Belle, who was my heart horse. In my speech, I told the judges about how even though I miss her every day, I’m grateful for everything she taught me and the partnership we shared. Moving forward without Belle has had its struggles, but at the same time I have grown a deeper connection with my new horse Pistol.” The speech portion consists of two minutes where the contestant must speak loud enough to reach each of the three judges. The theme of the speech was, “What Does Rodeo Mean to You?”

For Sackman, “Rodeo is more than just a sport. It’s a partnership between how well you and your horse can work together and understand each other to be able to achieve your goals.” She added that rodeo enabled her to meet amazing people as well as make friendships and memories. The most difficult part of the competition was the pattern. “I struggled with Pistol on the left lead. But it was also really hard competing against my friend.” Looking ahead, Sackman said, “I’m so excited for all the upcoming rodeos, meeting new people, and running around the arena.” Sackman’s role will keep her busy throughout all of 2027. After the coronation event – which has not yet been announced – Sackman is scheduled to participate in eight to 10 events beginning on May 16, 2027, at the Arden Old Timer’s Rodeo. These events include local fairs in Colville, Valley, Hunters, and Republic, as well as rodeos and Ciderfest. Before the coronation can take place, though, Sackman must spend the next few months doing fundraisers in order to raise money for gear for herself and Pistol.

This gear includes chaps, boots, hats, shirts, and the crown. Sackman is a junior at Colville High School and is on the equestrian team. “We have three meets in spring, and each meet is four days long. We are trying to qualify for state. My favorite events with Pistol are barrels, poles, and cattle events.” Sackman also participates in gymnastics. “I’ve been a member at KIPS (Gymnastics) since I was 5 years old.” She has also wrestled for Colville High School for four years. “I also show animals at the fair. I’ve shown steers, goats, sheep, chickens, and cats.” With all of this, Sackman said she maintains good grades and is on the high school’s honor roll. “When I graduate high school, I want to join the Air Force and fly fighter jets,” she said. “I plan on joining the ROTC (Reserve Officers’ Training Corps) at whatever college I go to. I also want to be able to take Pistol with me wherever I go to college. I want to be able to ride.” Information on the Arden Rodeo Queen and the Arden Old Timer’s Rodeo can be found on Facebook.